DONOVAN RETURNING TO ROSTER FOR U.S.

U.S. national coach Jurgen Klinsmann released his 23-man roster for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup and the July 5 friendly at Qualcomm Stadium against Guatemala, and it is largely devoid of the starters from the recent World Cup qualifiers.

But not devoid of intrigue.

The roster includes Landon Donovan, the national team’s all-time leading scorer, making his return after a 10-month hiatus — first by injuries, then by his choice, then by Klinsmann’s.

“He has a wonderful opportunity now to prove where he’s at after his break,” Klinsmann said. “It’s a question for him to answer in a far more detailed way.”

The roster also includes three members of the Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles: Sweetwater High alum Joe Corona, defender Edgar Castillo and recently acquired forward Herculez Gomez. That takes them out of the Xolos’ friendly the following night at Petco Park against Club America, matching the last two Liga MX champions; Klinsmann said there’s “no chance” they would be released to play.

The U.S. men will arrive in San Diego on Monday, then do fitness testing Tuesday at the Athletes’ Performance facility in Carlsbad. Practices will be closed except for a training session free to the public on Friday at 5 p.m. at the Q (fans can enter the stadium at Gate H).

The Gold Cup opens July 7 with a doubleheader at the Rose Bowl that features Mexico against Panama. The U.S. opener is July 9 in Portland, Ore., against Belize.

The winners of the 2013 and 2015 Gold Cups will play for a spot in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia.